Communication Support Worker

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 4,000 - 5,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Friendly and caring pupils

Supportive working environment

Professional development

Job summary

Durham Gilesgate Primary School is seeking a dedicated Communication Support Worker to assist deaf students in Key Stage 2. The role focuses on providing BSL/SSE communication support within the Enhanced Learning Provision and requires flexibility across settings and potential county-wide travel.

The successful candidate will have BSL Level 3 or equivalent, GCSEs in English and Maths, and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education.

Qualifications

• British Sign Language Level 3 (or equivalent).
• GCSEs English and Maths at C/4 or above.
• Experience with deaf children/young people in educational settings.
• Knowledge of CSW role and impact of deafness on attainment and well-being.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide communication and signed support (BSL/SSE) to deaf students.
• Support in Key Stage 2 within the Enhanced Learning Provision.
• Travel across the county as required and work flexibly across age ranges.

Skills

BSL Level 3

Experience with deaf children

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Flexibility across age ranges

Transport to travel county

Education

GCSE English & Maths (C/4)

Job description

Job Summary

Temporary Contract review will take place at end of July 2027. Part time - 8 hours per week. Term time only plus 2 weeks. Required to start January 2027 or ASAP.

Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly committed and enthusiastic Communication Support Worker to work within our school, initially to support in Key Stage 2.

Currently the role is to provide communication/signed support (BSL/SSE) to deaf students within the Enhanced Learning Provision at Durham Gilesgate Primary School.

Qualifications and experience

• British Sign Language Level 3 (or equivalent)
• Minimum GCSE Grade C/Level 4 or equivalent in English and Maths
• Significant experience of working with deaf children/young people
• Knowledge of the role of CSW in educational settings
• Knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of deafness on educational attainment and social and emotional development and well-being
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team to support communication and promote effective inclusion
• The ability to work flexibly across age ranges and settings as required
• You may be required to travel across the county and will have your own transport arrangements to enable you to do so

Benefits

• friendly and caring pupils who are welcoming to all
• a committed and dedicated staff who care about children
• a supportive working environment
• a dedicated Governing Body who are passionate about the school and its place in the local community
• the opportunity for professional development
• the right environment where you can develop your skills and where you will develop good working relationships with the staff from the deaf and hearing service in County Durham.

Salary and pay

Term time only plus two weeks’ pay

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave.

For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Safeguarding and equality

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Application deadline

Closing Date for application: Wednesday 18th November 2026 at 12:00 noon

Interview date: Tuesday 1st December 2026

Contact

Durham Gilesgate Primary School

Kepier Cres, Durham DH1 1PH

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]